By Julian Duque
Manufacturer: Cryorig LLC.
Product Name: Cryorig R1 Ultimate
Model Number: R1-Ultimate
UPC: 4719692700001
Price As Tested: $89.99 (Newegg l Amazon)
Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Cryorig.
It is always great to hear about small companies making the headlines in the computer market, but we have seemed to miss a note here. Although Benchmark Reviews has been around long enough to review cooling solutions from most manufacturers in the market, this is the first time we look at a product from Cryorig; a company that has gotten a lot of momentum since it’s first release back in 2013. Today, we take a look at the Cryorig R1 Ultimate, Cryorig’s first attempt of impressing us with a product they claim is an accumulation of years of design and research.
Of course, having seen so many coolers it has come a habit not to be easily impressed. But when Cryorig sent in their Cryorig R1 Ultimate, a monstrous aluminum dual tower heatsink with seven 6 mm heatpipes, a jet fin acceleration design that allows hot air to leave faster due to the higher density fin count in the rear part of each fin section, and two of their included XF140 fans, it was clear that they were trying to make a bold impact.
Courtesy of Cryorig.com
| Dimension ( with fan ) | L142.4 mm x W140 mm x H168.3 mm |
| Weight ( with fan ) | 1282 g |
| Weight ( without fan ) | 970 g |
| Heat pipes | 6mm heatpipe x 7 units |
| Front Fin | T = 0.4 mm ; Gap = 2.4 mm |
| Front Fin Pcs | 42 pcs |
| Rear Fin | T = 0.4 mm ; Gap = 1.8 mm |
| Rear Fin Pcs | 53 pcs |
| Copper Base | C1100 Pure copper nickel plated |
| Distance From Center | 40 mm |
| RAM Height Limit | 30 ~ 35 mm ( Fan position adjustable ) |
There are several misconceptions when it comes to the ordeal of choosing a cooler for your processor. It is true that Water-Cooling may yield better cooling results, mostly due to water’s higher thermal conductivity when compared to the ethanol and ammonia mixture found in most heat-pipes based coolers. But that does not mean that air coolers should not be considered as an option for enthusiasts. Unlike water-coolers, air-coolers do not need a pump, and can be “Passively Cooled” for quieter operation. Although pumps have become more silent and reliable, they should still be considered as another moving part inside your system that may be subject to failure, as well as being a source of noise. Another important factor to take into consideration when choosing the right CPU cooler is compatibility, Most heatsinks require certain parameters to be met including the CPU cooler height limit of your case, and motherboard clearance compatibility. In contrast, water-coolers only require a place to mount the radiator inside your case, as most CPU blocks are small enough to not interfere with important components near the CPU socket.
The packaging in which the Cryorig R1 Ultimate comes in is far from exciting, mostly made from cardboard which not only protects the heatsink, but keeps the accessories organized. As usual no pictures from non exciting stuff so lets get moving. In this section, we will go over the external characteristics of the Cryorig R1 Ultimate.
Included with the Cryorig R1 Ultimate are a multi-lingual installation guide which is not that informative as I later found out on the installation section of this review. There are also two distinct back plates for AMD and Intel systems, a single 3-pin to dual 3-pin fan splitter, Cryorig CP9 thermal interface material, and some fan brackets to install a slim 120 mm fan on the back of the heatsink. You also get a really nice looking screw driver, which will come in really handy when installing the Cryorig R1 Ultimate.
Revealing the heatsink from it’s boring package was a weird experience, but not in a bad way. I was not expecting something as bold as this. In terms of appearance, there is nothing that can be compared to it, with the exception of the Cooler Master GTS line which is meant to make your computer like the guts of a car engine compartment. The dual tower design is covered by two plastic fan shrouds which also work as clips to install the included 140 mm fans. It almost looks like the heatsink is auditioning to take part on a Batman movie.
I usually rant a lot about not perfectly machined base plates on high-end CPU coolers, after all this is not a cheap product. Our sample of the Cryorig R1 Ultimate had some notorious mistakes on the overall finish of the base, something that can impact performance greatly due to the air-pockets that will get trapped between those gaps and the TIM used in installation. The base plate isn’t shiny either, as a matter of fact the picture above was taken with plenty of light pointed to it and we had no signs of reflection.
Compatibility has become a major issue, but manufacturers keep trying to fight their way around it. Cryorig’s way is more than clever. Like other heavyweight heatsinks, the Cryorig R1 Ultimate is shifted slightly backwards in order for the fan to not even come close to the ram. This can cause issues with things like really large heat-spreaders for the power delivery system located to the left of most motherboards. Motherboards like the Asus Gryphon Z87 with the Thermal Armor will not be compatible with the Cryorig R1 Ultimate. If you are wondering if the Cryorig R1 Ultimate will fit our motherboard, Cryorig has a made a printable tester for each socket which you can find here.
Hopefully my last gripe is the fact that the only 140 mm fans that you will install on the Cryorig R1 Ultimate are the included fans. Cryorig’s XF140 fans have the hole spacing of a 120 mm fan, something really similar to Scythe’s fans. Installing the fans is not tricky which is why I suppose it is never mentioned in the manual although it is a very important step when installing the heatsink, just simply un-clip the fans from the plastic brackets and you are done.
Before we inspect each member of our new CPU cooler collection, let’s establish that our tests consist of methods we have determined to be the best for our one singular purpose. Our methodology isn’t written in stone, and could very likely be changed or modified as we receive justification (and feedback from the community). Our scope is limited to stand-alone products only, meaning those products which can be installed and operated without additional critical components needed or kit construction. This is the reason for this first test, in which the mounting system for each cooler is tested. Since this is not an apple to apples comparison, but rather a subjective description of each of the kits available without any form of quantitative data, it does not affect the numerical scores we give for each product. The purpose of this test is to inform our readers on how the mounting system of each processor cooler can affect the buying experience.
As usual, we will mount the cooler in one of our Intel test platforms. This time, we will be using an XFX MB-N780-ISH9 LGA 775 motherboard to test the mounting system included with the Cryorig R1 Ultimate, which Cryorig lists as one of the supported sockets.
Installing the Cryorig R1 Ultimate starts with locating the four silver screws and the back-plate, and the LGA 775 spacer to prevent the back-plate to make contact with the contacts located behind the motherboard’s socket. Cryorig clearly labels each bag as to avoid confusion between each mounting component. For AMD sockets you will have to remove the original fan bracket included with all AMD motherboards.
With the back-plate in place it is just a matter of seconds to get the two mounting brackets on place. The four thumb nuts that wrap around the screws of the back-plate have silicon washers to prevent damage or scratching to the motherboard. Once the back-plate is held snug it is time to decide which way to install the Cryorig R1 Ultimate in order to install the two brackets. Unfortunately the Cryorig R1 Ultimate will most likely have clearance issues if installed in a vertical way, so we decided to mount it horizontally with the fans blowing from right to left.
So far the Cryorig R1 Ultimate has been an easy installation process, but like any other bulky heatsinks it has a major flaw. Because the screws are located right underneath the heatsink and are not easily accessible nor visible from the top, it is almost impossible to mount this cooler inside a case. It actually took me less time to remove the motherboard to install this cooler for each of our performance tests, than to install the cooler with the motherboard installed inside the case. The way the fans are mounted in the Cryorig R1 Ultimate actually make it simpler if you remove the middle fan to gain visibility to the middle screw, but that can be a tough task with the motherboard installed. With the motherboard outside from the case it is just a matter of aligning your screwdriver and the head of screw.
Benchmark Reviews is always looking to improve our testing methodology over the past few years. We have always solicited suggestions from the enthusiast community, and received guidance from the experts in this field. This particular time we will be using a fresh testing methodology. Benchmark Reviews continues to test CPU coolers using the stock included fan and thermal interface material (whenever applicable), and then replace it with a high-output fan and aftermarket TIM.
Manufacturers are not expected to enjoy this sort of comparison, since we level the playing field for all coolers by replacing their included fan and TIM with common units which are then used for every CPU cooler tested. Many manufacturers include fans with their heatsink products, but most ‘stock’ fans are high-RPM units that offer great airflow at the expense of obnoxiously loud noise levels. By using the same model of cooling fan and TIM throughout our second test, we can assure our results are comparable across the board. This is one of the more significant changes we have made to our test methodology, since many of the benchmark tests we have conducted in the past have compared the total package. Ultimately we’re more interested in the discovering the best possible cooler, and we believe that you’ll feel the same way.
-
Motherboard: Asus Gryphon Z87 Motherboard
-
Processor: Intel Core I5 4670k
-
Enclosure: Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL
-
Operating System: Windows 7 Professional.
Testing was conducted in a loosely scientific manner. Ambient room temperature levels were maintained within one degree of fluctuation, and measured at all times throughout testing. The processor received the same amount of thermal paste in every test, which covered the ICH with a thin nearly-transparent layer. The cooler being tested was then laid down flat onto the CPU, and compressed to the motherboard using the supplied retaining mechanism. If the mounting mechanism used only two point of force, they were tightened in alternation; standard clip-style mounting with four securing points were compressed using the cross-over method. Once installed, the system was tested for a baseline reading prior to testing.
At the start of each test, the ambient room temperature was measured to track any fluctuation throughout the testing period using Asus AI Suite and two of the included temperature sensors located at the front intake of our test system. Aida 64 Engineer was utilized to create 100% CPU-core loads and measure each individual processor core temperatures. It’s important to note that software-based temperature reading reflects the thermal output as reported from the CPU to the BIOS. For this reason, it is critically important (for us) to use the exact same software and BIOS versions throughout the entire test cycle, or the results will be incomparable. All of the units compared in our results were tested on the same motherboard using the same BIOS and software, with only the CPU-cooler product changing in each test. These readings are neither absolute nor calibrated, since every BIOS is programmed differently. Nevertheless, all results are still comparable and relative to each products in our test bed (see The Accuracy Myth section below).
All test results utilize Aida 64 Engineer to report core temperature averages (within the statistics panel), which gives us more precise readings. To further compensate for this, our tests were conducted several times after complete power down thermal cycles. Conversely, the ambient room temperature levels were all recorded and accurate to one-tenth of a degree Celsius at the time of data collection.
All modern processors incorporate an internal thermal diode that can be read by the motherboards’ BIOS. While this diode and the motherboard are not calibrated and therefore may not display the actual true temperature, the degree of accuracy is constant. This means that if the diode reports 40°C when it’s actually 43°C, then it will also report 60°C when it’s truly 63°C. Since the design goal of any thermal solution is to keep the CPU core within allowable temperatures, a processor’s internal diode is the most valid means of comparison between different heatsinks, or thermal compounds. The diode and motherboard may be incorrect by a small margin in relation to an actual calibrated temperature sensor, but they will be consistent in their margin of error every time.
Our first CPU Cooler Performance Test takes use of the included TIM and fans included with each CPU cooler. The Cryorig R1 Ultimate includes two fans for a push setup and a small tube of Cryorig branded TIM which can be reused for multiple installations. The purpose of this test is NOT to prove which cooler is better, but rather to give our readers an expectation of what to expect from each cooler using the stock fans and TIM.
Courtesy of Cryorig.com
| XF140 SPECIFICATION | |
|---|---|
| Dimension | L140 mm x W140 mm x H25.4 mm |
| Weight | 156 g |
| Rated Speed | 700 ~ 1300 RPM ±10 % |
| Noise Level | 19 ~ 23 dBA |
| Air Flow | 76 CFM |
| Air Pressure | 1.44 mmH2O |
The XF140 fans from Cryorig have a measured RPM rating from 800 to 1400 making them reasonably quiet when compared to the high RPM fans that companies such as Raijintek and Silverstone include with their CPU coolers. Although the Cryorig R1 Ultimate falls behind other coolers in this section, it still manages to stay within 5% of the Silverstone TD02-E which is our top contender in this test. Both the Scythe Mugen Max and the Cryorig R1 Ultimate are the obvious winners here, as they manage to be at the bottom left of the table.
Heating things up always turns to be more positive for air coolers as they are more resilient when exposed to higher temperatures. Take a look at both the Silverstone TD03-E and the Raijintek Triton, which both beat the Cryorig R1 Ultimate in part 1 of this test. On part 2, the Cryorig R1 Ultimate manages to out-beat them by a large margin with only the Silverstone TD02-E, a dual 120 mm AIO water cooler which features high RPM fans, and the Scythe Mugen Max lowering the temperatures of our overclocked i5-4670k even further.
It’s time for our second and most important test. In this test we look to compare each cooler side by side by eliminating all the variables that may hamper our results. This means using our choice of fans and TIM throughout the entirety of this test. Buyers may benefit from buying custom fans and TIM by gaining performance, as well as by reducing the noise coming from the high RPM fans included with most cooling units. Our choice of TIM is Prolimatech PRO-PK3-5G which is an aluminum based solution that does not require any burn in time to reach peak performance.
Our choice of fans include the Yate-Loon D12SM-12 120 mm and D14SM-12 140 mm fans. Yate-Loons are mostly known for their quiet operation, and very low price. They are also very common among power supply fans, and are frequently found in the market as there are many re branded versions available from different companies.
| Model #: | D12SM-12 | D14SM-12 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 120 x 120 x 20 mm | 140 x 140 x 20 mm |
| Air Flow Max.: | 70.5 CFM | 62.0 CFM |
| Noise Level Max.: | 33 dBA | 29 dBA |
| Fan Speed: | 1650 RPM ± 10% | 1400 RPM ± 10% |
| Rated Voltage: | 12 V DC | 12 V DC |
| Input current Max.: | 0.30 Amps | 0.70 Amps |
The stock performance of the Cryorig R1 Ultimate is poor when compared with other coolers. It manages to beat the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo but even it’s close competitor, the Scythe Mugen Max manages to get a higher score. It still manages to beat the Silverstone TD03-E, a 120 mm AIO, as well as keeping close to the Scythe Mugen Max by a couple of degrees. As more coolers are released throughout 2015 we will continue to update this chart.
Our overclocked temperature measurements further close the gap between the Cryorig R1 Ultimate and other coolers mainly again because of it’s higher volume and it’s ability to retain heat. This test reveals the main selling point of the Cryorig R1 Ultimate are the included fans. Our 120 mm Yate-Loons are simply no comparison to the the included 140 mm fans, which happened to have a higher CFM rating. Although we did get a minimal temperature loss in test 2 when compared to our test 1, this can be equally credited to changing the TIM in our test.
As per request from many members of the enthusiast community, Benchmark Reviews has added noise measurements to our CPU cooler testing methodology. Each test is conducted in a noise isolated room, during the night time to avoid any minor disturbances caused by normal daytime activities near our location. Our base ambient temperature was measured at 15 dB for each of our tests. Noise was measured using a Brüel & Kjær type 2225 sound level meter located at 1 meter from the fan/fans. Fans were placed so that the axis of rotation of the fan is perpendicular to our line of measurement. For our dual fan noise measurements, fans were placed in series (facing each other) with a 10 cm gap between them. All fans were tested at 12 Volts.
The fans included with the Cryorig R1 Ultimate have the model number XF-140. This same model is available for purchase for $16.99 (Newegg). Cryorig also adds the option to use a Cryorig XT-140 slim profile fan (Newegg) as a third fan for the Cryorig R1 Ultimate. Having 140 mm fans allows the Cryorig R1 to gain the lead in terms of noise, only beaten by the Yate Loon D14SM-12 which is another 140 mm low-rpm fan.
Introducing a second fan causes the score of the Cryorig XF140 fans to drop to third place behind both Yate Loon contenders in this test. The Cryorig XF140 still manages to steal the show by beating any other included fan of all the tested coolers in both of our noise tests. I hope that by know, It is clear why the Yate Loon D12SM and D14SM are extremely common among the enthusiast community.
When I came to the senses that somehow this review of the Cryorig R1 Ultimate had to come to an end, I was a bit saddened. It was not because although the Cryorig R1 Ultimate looks incredibly bold and elegant, it performed badly in our performance Test 2, or because mounting it is a complete challenge even for experienced builders. It was because although it had some flaws, the Cryorig R1 Ultimate is still one of the best coolers available with excellent numbers in our noise and test 1 scores. In order to catch up to other coolers in our test 2, Cryorig should allow for standard 140 mm fans to be installed within the Cryorig R1 Ultimate, as well as providing a third mounting option in the back for more than just a slim fan.
The performance of the Cryorig R1 Ultimate is a mixture of both positive and negative results. Using the included fans and TIM, it managed to compete against other bulky heatsinks, as well as other 240 mm all in one water coolers. In our second test, the Cryorig R1 was almost last only managing to beat the likes of the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo, and the Silverstone TD03-E, a 120 mm AIO water cooler. Overall the Cryorig R1 Ultimate still managed to keep our overclocked core i5-4670k under 61 degrees on all of our tests.
Beauty is subjective, but making a bold design that gets your point across is not. Cryorig clearly is aiming for the second, as you will probably agree with me that the Cryorig R1 Ultimate can easily gain anyone’s attention. Yes, this is one bulky heatsink weighting almost 3 pounds, but it has been carefully designed to be functional and sophisticated. Unlike the Cooler Master GTS series, the Cryorig R1 Ultimate does not try to make the guts of your system look like a car engine, but rather like something unique and stealthy.
Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to test the reliability of most of the products we review. However, the Cryorig R1 Ultimate shows some very positive signs when it comes to it’s overall construction. The mounting mechanism is sturdy and showed no signs of flex, it also included the appropriate washers to prevent damage to the motherboard mounting holes in our mounting test. The fins on the heatsink were not easily bent, and are protected by a plastic shroud. The only flaw were some big scratches on the base plate of our sample which could hamper performance. This can be easily corrected by polishing the base of the cooler.
Cryorig were clever enough to give the R1 Ultimate a very thoughtful layout. There are no ram clearance issues, which can be attributed to the cooler being offset backwards, although if your motherboard has very tall heat spreaders you might want to consider going to Cryorig’s website and printing a test model to check for motherboard compatibility. Installation is hard and tedious but that is expected from any large heatsink out there.
Our last score pertains to the value of the product at hand. The Cryorig R1 Ultimate is priced online for $89.99 (Newegg l Amazon) which is a fairly steep price for an air cooler. In fact, this is the most expensive air cooler Benchmark Reviews has taken a look at in 2015. Is it worth it? In my opinion it is, simply by the fact that it is a quiet air cooler with more than adequate cooling capabilities for most users.It is also unique, a rarity these days in the computer DIY market.
+ Two PWM 140 mm fans included.
+ Stylish and modern design.
+ 6-Year warranty when registered.
+ Compatible with tall ram heat-spreaders.
+ Very silent fans.
– Mounting it requires uninstalling motherboard.
– Only standard 120 mm fans can be installed.
– Very expensive air cooler.
-
Performance: 8.50
-
Appearance: 10.00
-
Construction: 9.50
-
Functionality: 9.00
-
Value: 7.25
